There’s a new bar in town and it has changed the way local barhops usually take the edge off. Reboot, as it is aptly named, is considered “the nerdiest bar in town.”

When it comes to what most view as a typical bar, Reboot clearly redefines what is expected. It’s not your traditional bar in a sense because it’s a bar, an arcade, and an art gallery hence the title “Retrocade.”

Reboot Games Pinball
Pinball is only part of what you’ll find at Reboot. They also have 35 classic video games such as Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. Photo by Don Harper.

Just as the name implies, it has a retro-arcade feel and appeal to it. Reboot is located at 566 Cherry Street in Macon, Georgia. It is open seven days a week. The times of operation are from 1pm-10pm Sunday through Thursday and 1pm-12am on Friday and Saturday.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Reboot and my experience was more than delightful. If you grew up in the golden age of video gaming and arcades, prepare for a flashback. Gone are the slick touch-screen gaming pads that tire out the thumbs of today’s kids.

Upon entering Reboot, you’ll find yourself surrounded by arcade games located throughout their spacious environment. Reboot currently features seven Pinball machines and thirty-five video arcade cabinets with a total of fifty games.

The setup provides ample room for you—and your crowd of fans, eager to watch you try to break the high score—to stand around the bulky machines. They have classics like PAC-MAN, Centipede, Donkey Kong, Double Dragon, and many more.

If you’re waiting on your favorite arcade game, or you’re just not that into video gaming, Reboot also offers customer-friendly interactive games like Movie Bingo and Question Quest Trivia. They also have an extensive supply of old-fashioned board games on hand, including all of your childhood favorites.

“You don’t have to be a video gamer to enjoy our space,” explains Reboot co-owner Jeremy Smith, “We also show all the major sports games.” He goes on to say: “We want people to know that we are a blended space.”

An 800-square foot “indoor lawn” allows patrons the chance to play games of cornhole, giant Jenga, giant beer pong, or spread out to watch a retro movie.

Reboot also has a 120-inch cinema projection screen which they use to show retro movies on Thursday nights and during special events. Mr. Smith also noted that there is no cover charge for any of the events that Reboot hosts.

Reboot Bar - Macon
Reboot not only has some favorite classic video games, but also has a good selection of refreshments to keep you at the top of your game. Photo by Don Harper.

The service I received was impressive to say the least. The bartender was friendly and prepared my drinks in a timely manner, which I found to be rather fortunate, considering that when it comes to service time in most bars, patience is definitely a virtue.

Their beverage menu is also quite unique and very crafty. With names mainly popularized from retro characters from television and arcades. For instance, they have a mixed drink called “Fraggle on the Rocks,” which I highly recommend.

For those who have underage children and are curious of Reboot’s policy, Reboot offers a chance for children to enjoy the video games and pinball machines while in attendance with their legal guardian up until 6pm. However, the staff are very quick to remind parents up front that Reboot is a bar, and it should be regarded as such.

Patrons under the age of 21 are not allowed unless they are accompanied by their parent or a spouse over age 21. Only two children may accompany a parent, and it is expected that parents will closely monitor the activities and behavior of their children. After 6 p.m., only the big kids are allowed to play, and all guests under 21 must leave the bar.

So, if you have a passion for some retro-arcades, sports, or even have need to wet your whistle after a long day on the job Reboot Retrocade and Bar is definitely the place to unwind.

For more information about Reboot, you can visit them at http://www.rebootmacon.com/ and also on Facebook. Reboot is located at 566 Cherry Street in downtown Macon, and you can call them at (478) 621-4861.

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Published by Don Harper

Don Harper's passion for writing came at an early age. As a second grader, he wrote his first short story, one about his father, a fireman. His teacher typed and edited it, and made the story into a hardbound book. This cherished memory inspired this now 35 year from Milledgeville to create. He is also fascinated by the culture of hip-hop. He began to write poetry and lyrics, and by the time I was in high school had joined a music group who performed live shows and even opened up for some major artists. His current endeavors include working on a trilogy of short stories and finishing his studies at Middle Georgia State University. He is completing his Bachelor of Arts, majoring in New Media and Communication. He hopes to one day acquire a position as a writer for a major network and to also have penned a best-selling novel.